Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies: Early World Series preview and 3 bold predictions
By Kevin Henry
The Houston Astros were a favorite to reach the 2022 World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies were questionable to even make the postseason in mid-September. However, the two teams will meet in the Fall Classic, beginning on Friday at Minute Maid Park.
While the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies may have taken different paths to get to the World Series, each has proven it belongs.
Houston has yet to be defeated in the postseason, sweeping the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS before ousting the New York Yankees in four ALCS matchups. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has had a longer road to reach the World Series, downing the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card round before knocking out the defending World Champion Atlanta Braves in the NLDS and getting by the San Diego Padres in five games in the NLCS.
Astros-Phillies World Series preview and bold predictions
Games 1 and 2 will be played Friday and Saturday in Houston, with the scene shifting to Philadelphia for Games 3, 4 and 5 on Monday (Halloween), Tuesday, and Wednesday (if necessary). If Games 6 and/or 7 are necessary, they will be played in Houston on November 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday).
All games will be broadcast on FOX.
As of this writing, pitching matchups and game times for the opening games of the World Series had not been officially announced. However, Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez are expected to be the first two starters for Dusty Baker’s Astros while Rob Thomson’s Phillies are expected to counter with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
This season, Houston took two of three games from Philadelphia at Minute Maid Park during the final series of the regular season. However, Philadelphia won the first game of the series, clinching their NL Wild Card berth on what would eventually be their World Series opponent’s home field.